Compare Diltiazem vs. Lopressor

Head-to-head comparisons of medication uses, side effects, ratings, and more.

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Cardizem (Diltiazem)

Prescription only

Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)

Prescription only
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Diltiazem works well to lower blood pressure and prevent chest pain, but you have to be okay with avoiding alcohol. You can't miss doses, and you might get persistent swelling.

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3.5/ 5 average rating with 105 reviewsforDiltiazem
Lowers blood pressure and controls heart rate.

Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) lowers high blood pressure, controls chest pain, and helps treat heart failure and heart attack. You need to take it with food and can't miss a dose.

●●●●●
3.7/ 5 average rating with 464 reviewsforLopressor
Upsides
  • A first-choice blood pressure treatment for many people.
  • Calcium channel blockers work especially well for African Americans to lower blood pressure.
  • You can take it alone or with other medicines to help lower blood pressure.
  • Lowers the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Prevents heart-related chest pain (angina) if you take it regularly.
  • Treats certain abnormal heart rhythms.
  • A first-choice treatment to prevent chest pain (angina).
  • Makes pain episodes less frequent and makes it easier to be active without having chest pain.
  • A first-choice treatment for people who've had a heart attack.
  • Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) lowers the risk of death during and after a heart attack.
  • Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) is cheaper than the extended release version.
Downsides
  • Calcium channel blockers can cause swelling in your limbs. If this happens for you, it probably won't get better over time, so talk to your doctor about alternatives if it bothers you.
  • Women are more likely to have side effects (especially swelling) from Diltiazem than men.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Diltiazem suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
  • Some brands of Diltiazem have to be taken with food, so listen carefully for instructions from your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Not a good medication for you if you drink alcohol.
  • You need to take Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) with food twice a day for it to work best.
  • Taking Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) may make you feel more tired or out of breath during exercise or your normal daily routines. This gets better for most people, but for some it may not go away.
  • Not a first-choice treatment for high blood pressure, unless you have heart failure or heart disease. It can also be added to other medicines if your blood pressure is still too high.
  • Can hide symptoms of low blood sugar if you're diabetic.
  • You can't miss doses. Stopping Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate) suddenly can cause your blood pressure to go up suddenly, which raises the risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Used for
Dosage forms
  • Pill
  • Extended release
  • Extended release capsule
  • Pill
Price
Lowest price
$18.05
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Lowest price
$8.00
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Reviews
105 reviews so far
52%
saidit'sworth it
49%
saiditworked well
16%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Cardizem (Diltiazem)?

Leave a review
464 reviews so far
62%
saidit'sworth it
47%
saiditworked well
15%
saidit'sa big hassle

Have you used Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)?

Leave a review
Side effects
6possible side effects
  • Edema
    5%
  • Headache
    5%
  • Dizziness
    4%
  • Asthenia
    3%
  • First degree AV block
    2%
  • Bradycardia
    2%
See more detailed side effects
7possible side effects
  • Tiredness
    10%
  • Dizziness
    10%
  • Depression
    5%
  • Diarrhea
    5%
  • Itching or skin rash
    5%
  • Shortness of breath
    3%
  • Slowed heart rate
    3%
See more detailed side effects
Risks and risk factors
  • Skin rashes
  • Abnormally slow heart rate
    • Taking digoxin or beta-blockers at the same time
  • Sudden liver disease
    • History of liver disease
See more detailed risks and warnings
  • Heart problems
    • Suddenly stopping Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)
    • Coronary artery disease
  • Masked symptoms of low blood sugar
    • Diabetes
  • Masked symptoms of overactive thyroid
  • Increased symptoms of heart failure
    • Heart failure
  • Increased risks during surgery
    • Major surgery requiring anesthesia
  • Breathing problems
    • Asthma
    • COPD
See more detailed risks and warnings
Learn more about Cardizem (Diltiazem)
Learn more about Lopressor (metoprolol tartrate)